The second part of Echo opens as Mike Flannery receives a signal from his little brother Frankie. The two live at Bishop’s, an orphanage in rural Pennsylvania, but in separate living quarters (the Uppers’ building and Lowers’ building, respectively). They have been there for the five months, since their grandmother’s death, and they have been working on farms rather than attending school. Frankie has learned that the headmistress, Pennyweather, will be introducing the two to foster families.  Frankie is afraid he will be separated from his brother. Mike hopes for good news: a home that will keep them together. The only good thing about the orphanage is that it has a piano, though Mike would give that up for a new home.

Pennyweather calls for Mike and Frankie. Mike overhears her talking to someone asking about the piano, and he is afraid she will sell it. Mike and Frankie play, impressing the other boys, and he is sad to see it go, but hopeful about the prospect of a foster family. However, the couple has already taken on two boys to work their farm, so they are only interested in one more: Frankie.